Marshall Volleyball Preview
By Connor Brown, FM88 Sports
Oct. 15, 2025
HUNTINGTON, W. Va. (WMUL-FM) — The Marshall Volleyball Team returns to the Cam Henderson Center on Thursday to face the ULM Warhawks in a Sun Belt Conference matchup. First serve is scheduled for 4 p.m. as the Thundering Herd looks to gain momentum entering the second half of league play.
The Thundering Herd (9–10, 1–5 Sun Belt) comes back to Huntington after a competitive two-week road stretch that featured tight contests against Troy and South Alabama. Despite recent results, the Herd has showcased a steady offensive balance, averaging just over 12 kills per set while maintaining one of the Sun Belt’s most improved defensive efficiency ratings.
Freshman outside hitter Emma Barnett has emerged as the Herd’s go-to attacker, leading the team in kills and total points while earning recognition for her aggressive swing and consistency from the pin. Senior middle blocker Beatrice Ciccarelli adds veteran stability, contributing over three kills per set.
Sophomore libero Emma Sayre anchors the defense with consistent serve-receive and coverage, while junior setter Bella Thompson continues to direct the offense, averaging 7 assists per set and ranking among team leaders in service aces with 12.
At the net, Marae Reilly and Elli Barry provide a strong blocking presence, combining for more than a block per set.
Head coach Heather Stout said her group’s focus remains on playing fearless and finishing close sets as Sun Belt play intensifies.
The ULM Warhawks (9–11, 0–6 Sun Belt) arrive in Huntington after getting swept in a weekend series against Arkansas State.
ULM leans on senior right-side Amelia Piekut for veteran leadership and attacking depth, and junior outside hitter Sandlin Short continues to deliver a versatile mix of offense and defense.
Running the offense is junior setter Morgan Howard, who leads the team with 411 assists. While redshirt junior Briana Raney paces the back row with 201 digs to date.
In the front court, Kenzie Behl anchors the middle with 49 blocks, and Kennedy Plummer adds pin blocking support along with her kill contributions. Under head coach Reid Gann, ULM continues to show defensive improvement and battles tightly with top Sun Belt foes.
The Herd will look to defend its home court and ignite a strong second-half push in Sun Belt Conference play. Thursday’s matchup begins at 4 p.m. at the Cam Henderson Center.